Child dies of apparent abuse in Johor, mum and stepdad nabbed

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Police have arrested a couple for allegedly causing the death of a five-year-old boy who died of apparent abuse in Taman Nusa Bestari, here.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said that the police were informed about the incident by a Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) medical officer at about 12.20pm on Friday (Dec 3).

He said initial investigations revealed that the victim was staying with the suspects – his mother and stepfather – as well as two other siblings.

“The victim had an injury on the mouth and swelling all over his body.

“The police forensic team also found a rubber pipe in the bathroom sink, a wooden stick, and a bloodstained plastic pipe on the sofa in the suspects’ house,” he said in a statement here on Saturday (Dec 4).

ACP Dzulkhairi added that the victim was lifeless when brought into the hospital.

He also said that a post-mortem examination would be conducted at about 9am on Saturday after testing the child for Covid-19.

The 35-year-old stepfather was arrested at their house in Taman Nusa Bestari while the mother was arrested at HSA.

“Both suspects tested negative for drugs and background checks revealed that the duo had prior cases under Section 31(1)(a) Child Act 2001 for child neglect and Section 15 (1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug abuse.

“The case is investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder and Section 31(1)(a) Child Act 2001,” he added.